The right-back, 18 today, signed from Macclesfield for an undisclosed six-figure fee following the Silkmen’s relegation from the Football League.

Hewitt, who can also play in midfield, was released by Stoke City’s academy, progressing through Macclesfield’s youth ranks before becoming the youngest ever player to make their league debut for the club, aged at just 16 years and 342 days.

He went on to make 22 appearances last season, attracting the attention of a number of clubs, but a hip injury curtailed his involvement at the end of the campaign.

Hewitt has already been capped five times by his country at Under-21s level.

Ex-Ipswich Town homegrown star Titus Bramble is back at the club as a youth team coach. STUART WATSON spoke to him about an emotional trip to Ghana and how he wants the Blues’ current teenagers not to repeat his mistakes.